Chapter 74

Right then, Zachary, wearing an apron and holding a spatula, came running over excitedly. “Mr. Hallman, Ms. Murphy, thanks for coming. You two, make yourselves comfortable. Melissa, go ahead and take care of our guests. Just three more dishes to finish up.”

I gave Melissa a teasing look. When Zachary called her Melissa, it sounded so cheesy. The tough, strong Melissa blushed all of a sudden.

With Nathan by my side, I didn’t dare tease her, so I politely sat down on the couch. Melissa got busy making coffee for us. Nathan was calm and collected.

When he reached for the coffee with his long, pale fingers, the veins on the back of his hand showed clearly. My heart skipped a beat.

“I’ll go help Zachary. You two relax,” Melissa said, leaving us alone.

Nathan glanced toward the kitchen at the happy couple and smiled. “They look really happy.”

I looked too. Zachary cooked while Melissa washed dishes. The sounds of pots and pans clanging gave off a warm, homey vibe.

Seeing this, I suddenly thought of my previous life, how I was always alone in the kitchen. Jared wouldn’t even come in to grab a bowl, let alone share that kind of couple closeness.

“My friend finally found someone who can satisfy her appetite,” I smiled.

“Zachary’s from Caelora. His pork’s the real deal,” Nathan added.

“Oh, I get it,” I laughed. I’d heard men in Caelora were known to be very attentive, but I wasn’t sure if that was true.

As I watched the kitchen, I felt a burning stare on me. I immediately looked down and calmly sipped my coffee. Nathan seemed to feel that staring was rude and quickly drank his coffee, too.

“Ms. Murphy, I didn’t expect you to come,” Nathan said quietly, worried I might think the wrong thing.

I looked at him sincerely. “I trust you.”

Nathan stared at me in surprise. “Why?”

“Nothing. I just think you’re honest and not scheming.” Nathan was a science geek with clear eyes, not like someone with hidden agendas.

Nathan felt a bit underestimated. He lowered his voice. “You don’t know me that well yet.”

I smiled at him. “We’re just friends. No need to dig too deep. As long as you seem trustworthy, that’s enough.”

Nathan’s clear eyes darkened for a moment. He said no more. Dinner was great. Zachary and Melissa were outgoing and talkative. After a few toasts, it was my turn. I got tongue-tied.

Nathan smiled at me, so I blurted out, “I wish you a happy marriage and lots of kids.”

“Victoria…” Melissa protested, blushing hard and giving me a playful glare.

Zachary happily thanked me. “Thanks for the blessing, Ms. Murphy. We’ll do our best.”

Melissa’s eyes lit up. She looked shy but happy. We talked about light, fun stuff at the table. I didn’t drink because I had to drive. Nathan drank a little. He had a driver with him.

Zachary drank a lot. He was happy. Melissa only had a little. When the party ended, Nathan suddenly swayed next to me. I instinctively reached out to steady him.

“Sorry, I’m a little drunk,” he said, eyes red and breath heavy.

Zachary was dead drunk. Melissa had to take care of him. Nathan and I got ready to leave. “Victoria, watch Mr. Hallman so he doesn’t fall,” Melissa said worriedly.

I nodded. At the elevator entrance, the motion-sensor light suddenly went out. The elevator came slowly. We were in total darkness. Nathan stood silently beside me, like a tall white birch tree.

My heart pounded. I wondered if I didn’t have the courage to do what Jared did. ‘How could he be so affectionate with Tracy in front of me all these years?’

Thinking that, I glanced at the elevator still stopped on the third floor. Nathan suddenly swayed. He put his hand on the wall. I reached out and held his other arm. In the dark, he looked at me, and I stared right back.

“Victoria…” Nathan’s voice was hoarse and barely recognizable. I responded softly. Then I felt his breath suddenly move closer but stop about two inches from me.